Ghent in 5 Hours 🇧🇪 | Medieval Streets, Canals & Car-Free City Walk

Описание: We stopped in Ghent, Belgium for just one night on our way back to the UK — and in only five hours of walking, this city completely surprised us.
This 7-minute walking tour of Ghent takes you through the historic city centre, located where the Scheldt and Leie rivers meet. Thanks to this strategic location, Ghent became one of the richest and most powerful cities in medieval Europe, famous for its textile trade and merchant guilds.
Our walk begins at St. Nicholas’ Church, built in the Scheldt Gothic style, before crossing Saint Michael’s Bridge — one of the best viewpoints in the city. From here, you can see Ghent’s iconic skyline featuring St. Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry of Ghent, and St. Bavo’s Cathedral.
We then explore Graslei and Korenlei, the former medieval harbour lined with beautifully preserved guild houses. Once a hub for grain and trade, this canal-side area is now one of the most photographed places in Belgium and a highlight of any Ghent visit.
One thing that makes Ghent truly unique is its urban design. The city has one of the largest car-free historic centres in Europe. Strict traffic circulation rules prevent cars from cutting through the centre, giving priority to pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport. The result is a calm, walkable city where historic streets, canals, and architecture can truly be enjoyed.
We continue towards the Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen), a dramatic medieval fortress built to assert power over a wealthy and rebellious city. Nearby, the old Fish Market building showcases detailed stone architecture that reflects Ghent’s trading past.
Ghent is also a vibrant university city, known for creativity, sustainability, and being one of Europe’s most vegetarian-friendly cities. Cycling is a way of life here, with bike lanes and parking everywhere.
Our walk takes us along Kraanlei Street, one of Ghent’s most photogenic streets, before following the river toward Vrijdagmarkt Square, a historic gathering place for markets, speeches, and revolutions. Along the way, we pass through Graffiti Street, a legal street-art alley where the walls are constantly changing.
We stop by Ghent City Hall, a fascinating blend of ornate Gothic and elegant Renaissance architecture, built over several centuries.
As evening falls, we head out for dinner and return to the river, ending the walk back at Graslei, where illuminated historic buildings reflect beautifully on the water.
Historic, walkable, creative, and refreshingly calm — Ghent proves that a city doesn’t need traffic to feel alive.
If you enjoy relaxed walking tours, medieval cities, and hidden European gems, don’t forget to like and subscribe.

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